What was the nature of Cholkar's vow, and why was there a delay in its fulfillment?

According to Chapter 15, Cholkar was from a poor household and his livelihood depended on his job. To make his salary permanent, he needed to pass an examination. He made a vow to Sai Baba that if he passed by His grace, he would visit Shirdi and distribute sugar candy. He successfully passed, but the fulfillment of his vow was delayed because he was struggling financially. The text poetically describes this struggle as a 'threshold-ghat' (home expenses) that is very difficult for a worldly man to cross, even harder than crossing a vast mountain cliff. Cholkar felt he could not go to Shirdi empty-handed and had to postpone his journey until he had the means.